Things to Know before Installing Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless glass shower doors can convey a new element of beauty and sophistication to any bathroom space. They are sleek and can help to create a sense of openness in a bathroom that may be space-restricted, and they are easier to maintain and clean than traditional framed shower doors. Those are just a few of the reasons that many homeowners who are planning bathroom renovations are choosing frameless shower doors.

While it’s true that there are many benefits to owning frameless glass shower doors, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some things to consider before electing to make that investment.  Custom frameless shower doors in Washington, D.C., can transform the look and function of your bathroom, but it’s important to think about whether such doors are right for your décor and personal affinities. Keep reading to learn more about the things that you need to consider before investing in custom frameless shower doors.

Door Style

Frameless shower doors come in several types, and before purchasing them, you must consider how each type will function in the bathroom space of your home. If you’re working with plenty of space and have an expansive shower, double doors may provide you with the best access and ease of entry. However, if space is at a premium, a single door may be more reasonable. Think about where the doors will swing open. Will they swing into the shower or out over the bathroom floor? That can be a concern if you don’t want water to drip from the door onto the floor when the door opens. Another option is a sliding door. Updates have rendered sliding shower doors that can be smooth and graceful or create an industrial feel with exposed wheels.

Wall Sturdiness

Frameless glass shower doors and enclosures must be mounted to a wall, so make sure that the wall you’ve selected for mounting can take the additional weight of the doors. Choose a wall that has at least two studs to make sure it can stand up to the additional stress of supporting the doors and surrounding shower enclosure panels.

Decide Size and Shape

When planning the installation of a frameless glass shower door enclosure, you need to consider the space that you’re enclosing. That means you need to have an accurate representation of the size as well as the shape. For example, some prefer a squared off box-shaped enclosure with walls representing one or two sides of the shower and frameless glass panels representing the other two or three. Others prefer a corner configuration that creates a triangle shape with one side made of glass and the other two formed by walls. Regardless of your choice, you will need to calculate the size and shape to know how many glass panels you will need to complete your enclosure. Also, make sure the angles are all either 180, 135, or 90 degrees. Most connectors come in only those three orientations, so the angles of your shower must correspond.

Transparency

Frameless glass shower doors come in a variety of transparencies and each offers its own set of benefits. For example, many people prefer the aesthetic of clear glass. It conveys a classical beauty that can make a bathroom appear modern and sleek. However, clear glass requires more maintenance and cleaning, which some would rather avoid. Bubble glass or frosted glass requires less maintenance and more privacy. Another consideration is surface coatings. Some glass doors include coatings that prevent fogging or cause water to bead and roll off, thus reducing the amount of cleaning required. If you have your heart set on clear doors but don’t enjoy cleaning them, consider a coated glass door.

If you’re in the market for custom frameless shower doors, make sure that you give some thought to the factors mentioned above before proceeding. By considering these factors in the planning stages, you can avoid missteps and get the frameless glass shower enclosure that you’re seeking. For more information on things to consider before installing frameless glass shower doors, contact Advanced Glass Expert.